12 October 2010 An award-winning south coast art gallery is inviting visitors into the world of iconic 20th century photographer Robert Mapplethorpe this autumn, with a series of unique events inspired by the current ARTIST ROOMS exhibition – including the hotly anticipated Studio 54 at Towner this Saturday night, inspired by the legendary New York nightclub which defined Mapplethorpe’s era.
Saturday 16 October will see Access All Areas does Mapplethorpe by day and Studio 54 by night, in a full day of Mapplethorpe inspired events offering people of all ages the chance to step back in time to New York in the 70s and 80s when disco, punk and hip hop were born.
On Saturday afternoon, young people aged 13 – 19 are invited to drop in and have a go at music technology and turntable workshops, parkour, costume fashion and portrait photography – all provided free of charge as part of Access All Areas, the South East’s biggest youth arts festival.
The evening will then see Towner transform from a gallery to a venue infused with music and multimedia arts, as Studio 54 comes to Eastbourne for one night only! – in association with Melting Vinyl.
Bringing together live music - including London's Hatcham Social (Hatcham Social’s power lies in their kinetic, propulsive songs – the Guardian) and the Blondie inspired electropop of Kovak, as well as DJ LA Knight – with spoken word, film, installation and lights inspired by the period, a truly electric atmosphere will be created. Set across three levels of the gallery, each room will offer a different experience, creating a not to be missed event that encapsulates a defining moment in time. Tickets are selling fast – call Towner or visit the Ticket Web website now to book.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “Wow, Towner is really pulling out all the stops this autumn for a unique series of events that offers culture vultures of all ages the chance to step into Mapplethorpe’s world and experience the era that defined his works. The south coast has never seen an event like Studio 54 before – if you’ve ever wished you could step back in time and experience the legendary 70s New York scene, you won’t want to miss this! Under 18s can come along earlier in the day for their own Mapplethorpe inspired events, entirely free of charge.
“And with another Mapplethorpe weekend coming up later in November, not only can visitors enjoy the ARTIST ROOMS exhibition, but they can also enjoy discussions, tours and a rare screening of a BBC documentary about the artist.”
For visitors interested in learning more about the ARTIST ROOMS exhibition, curator Sanna Moore will lead a free guided walk and talk through the display on Thursday 21 October, and Mapplethorpe Weekend is also coming up in November for the chance to really get to grips with his work.
From 20-21 November, there will be back to back events including Antony d’Offay and Keith Hartley in conversation, when the ARTIST ROOMS benefactor will be speaking to Keith Hartley, Deputy Director of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Lecturers Dr Niall Richardson and Dr Sally Miller will be discussing Mapplethorpe’s work in the wider context of sexual politics and contemporary photography and throughout the weekend, Towner will be showing Arena: Robert Mapplethorpe on the big screen, offering a rare opportunity to watch this documentary from the BBC archives.
And it’s not all Mapplethorpe at Towner this autumn. Antony Penrose will be giving a talk and signing copies of his new book, The Boy Who Bit Picasso, on Saturday 23 October. Families will love hearing Tony recall happy memories of his childhood friendship with Picasso – a unique opportunity to hear and meet this charismatic author, and to introduce children and young people to the art of Picasso.
Families looking for something different during half-term can take part in The Big Draw on 26 and 27 October when artist Rachel Cohen will be helping children to create a giant board game about an imaginary place. The free drop-in event will offer the chance to contribute to a new attraction at Towner, which will then be available for visitors to play during the rest of the week!
Autumn also sees the opening of Towner’s new Collection Gallery exhibition Here, there, everywhere, featuring an eclectic mix of artists including Eric Ravilious, Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin. The free exhibition is open now until 27 March 2011. On Thursday 11 November,Outreach & Inclusion Manager Richard Beales hosts a guided walk and talk through this exhibition.
Booking is advised for all events to avoid disappointment. Please call or email Towner on 01323 434670 / towner@eastbourne.gov.uk for more information, or to book your place at any of these events.
